The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) launched a new method to repel mynahs in Clementi and Yishun on Thursday (Feb 25). These birds have drawn complaints for the nuisance they cause.

Every two months for the next year, the AVA will be fogging the trees where the birds roost in Yishun Street 71 and Clementi West Street 2, with a chemical repellent.

The chemical - which has methylated soybean oil and grape extract - causes a brief, temporary burning feeling in the mouths, throats and other parts of the mynahs' faces.

Ms Janet Chia, 29, executive manager of the Operations (Wild Animals) section at AVA, said: "While repeated fogging will not affect the birds' health, we hope that the birds will learn to avoid the area."

Ms Chia said the chemical is not known to have "adverse effects humans or animals" and has been effective in stopping birds from feeding on crops in the United States.

The trial in Yishun started on Thursday, while the one at Clementi will begin next month. Each bi-monthly session involves fogging for five consecutive evenings.

The Straits Times

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